Using evolutionary analogies in social science: Two case studies

Abstract

This chapter considers the use of evolutionary analogies (EA) in social science. It begins with a general discussion of the role analogy plays and then considers the specific benefits of EA for unsolved problems in social science. Most of the chapter presents two case studies of Fontana’s work. The first applies neutral networks to social structure. The second uses ‘algorith mic chemistry’ to explore industrial diversification and the emergence of classes. The purpose of the case studies is not to build working simulations but to illustrate the process of proposing, developing and criticising analogies systematically.